Best islands to travel to in 2015

By Lidia Ryan

on April 21, 2015 10:27 AM

Planning a beach vacation this summer? Travel site, TripAdvisor, recently announced the results of its annual Travelers’ Choice awards for islands in the world and in the US

According to TripAdvisor, the awards are based on "reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers around the world, and are determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants and attractions on islands worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period."

"Charming Mackinac Island is a throwback to old-timey seaside leisure, from the candy-colored facades of downtown shops to the impressive (record-breaking, in fact) front porch of the Victorian-era Grand Hotel." -- TripAdvisor less

10. Mackinac Island, Mich.

"Charming Mackinac Island is a throwback to old-timey seaside leisure, from the candy-colored facades of downtown shops to the impressive (record-breaking, in fact) front porch of the ... more

The charm of San Juan and the other islands in the chain isn't lost on Seattle people. Need a reminder? "An island vacation on San Juan Island in…Washington? San Juan might not be a tropical retreat, but this scenic scape proudly features beaches, orca pods and one of the country’s largest lavender farms." -- TripAdvisor less

9. San Juan Island, Wash.

The charm of San Juan and the other islands in the chain isn't lost on Seattle people. Need a reminder? "An island vacation on San Juan Island in…Washington? San Juan might not be a ... more

Photo: (Captain Jim Maya/www.mayaswhalewatch.biz)

9. San Juan Island, Wash. The charm of San Juan and the other... Photo-6407757.107998 - seattlepi.com

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8. Chincotreague Island, Va.

"Wild horses can actually drag you away…to Chincoteague Island. Here, ponies run wild, you can catch or dig up your own seafood, and the beaches bring literal breaths of fresh air. " -- TripAdvisor less

8. Chincotreague Island, Va.

"Wild horses can actually drag you away…to Chincoteague Island. Here, ponies run wild, you can catch or dig up your own seafood, and the beaches bring literal breaths of fresh ... more

"Long known as a golfer's paradise, Hilton Head Island is heaven for any type of sports enthusiast. Tennis, volleyball, polo, championship golf on some of the best fairways in the United States - those are just a few athletic options." -- TripAdvisor

"Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts." -- TripAdvisor

"Mingle with tropical fish as you flutter around Coral Gardens or Tupitipiti Point, or relax in a self-driving tour as you take in beautiful views of the once-volcanic Mount Otemanu." - TripAdvisor less

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

"Mingle with tropical fish as you flutter around Coral Gardens or Tupitipiti Point, or relax in a self-driving tour as you take in beautiful views of the once-volcanic Mount ... more

"The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story Centre." - TripAdvisor less

6. Madeira, Portugal

"The capital city of Funchal was settled in the 15th century and is a colorful collection of gardens, religious sites, and quirky tourist attractions like the thatched-roof Madeira Story ... more

"Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky." - TripAdvisor less

4. Santorini, Greece

"Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white ... more

Photo: Picasa

4. Santorini, Greece "Even if you’ve never been to this... Photo-7855702.107998 - seattlepi.com

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3. Roatan, Honduras

"From zip-lining to deep-sea fishing to exploring the military-protected archipelago of Cayos Cochinos, the Honduran island is a playground for lovers of water sports and ecotourism." - TripAdvisor less

3. Roatan, Honduras

"From zip-lining to deep-sea fishing to exploring the military-protected archipelago of Cayos Cochinos, the Honduran island is a playground for lovers of water sports and ecotourism." - ... more

"The diving and snorkeling is as convenient as it is stunning, thanks to miles of coral reef that’s easily accessible from the shore. The upscale resorts and captivating beachscapes of Grace Bay make it a popular choice for waterfront escapes." - TripAdvisor less

1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

"The diving and snorkeling is as convenient as it is stunning, thanks to miles of coral reef that’s easily accessible from the shore. The upscale resorts and captivating ... more